Fish Bladders in Your Wine Anyone?

Whether you are a vegan or not, some of the ingredients that are being added to everyday foods just isn’t right. Did you know that fine wines, and even some beers, contain fish bladder membranes?  I have to admit, this is the first time I have ever been glad I drink cheap wine, ha ha. Apparently the fish bladder membranes are used to make isinglass, a type of gelatin used in fine wine making.

Duck Feathers and Human Hair in Bread

There are definitely a lot of weird animal products in food.  Here is another one.  Ever wonder why the bread in the supermarkets can stay soft for so long?  Well, here’s your answer. Duck feathers and human hair are used to make an ingredient (an amino acid called L-Cysteine) that acts as a dough conditioner for bread making.  Keeps the bread lovely and soft.  If you are a vegan and love bread, this is bad news.

Food Coloring

Hey, how bad can food coloring be, right?  Not too bad if you don’t mind eating bugs. What????  There is a bright red dye called “carmine”, better known as crimson lake or natural red 4, that is made from crushed cochineal insects.  You don’t eat bright red candy?  Not to worry, you can still get your cochineal insect treats.  It is also found in cosmetic products.

Insect Debris Used to Shine Up Candy & Nuts

Apparently bugs are pretty common additions in the snack industry.  That shiny coating on some hard candy, chocolate raisins and nuts is a shellac that contains Lac Bug secretions.  In fact, 25% of unrefined harvested lac resin is composed of insect debris.

I was having a good day until I decided to write this blog.  Now, not so much.  Why?  Because even though I don’t eat a lot of sugar, I seldom go a week without at least one indulgence.  What do I cheat on?  M&M’s or chocolate covered raisins.  My life is over with now….

To your Health!

Peter Gillham